Glorious Tchaikovsky set by Abbado/CSO

Tchaikovsky: 6 Symphonies
coupled with Marche Slave, Nutcracker (selections)
Voyevoda, The Tempest and Romeo and Juliet.









Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Claudio Abbado, conductor.


This probably isn't the best cycle in the market but to pass this up would be foolish. As usual when you hear CSO without their usual "in-the-face" bombast ala Solti, you might be forgiven to think they're the best band in the world as demonstrated by conductors who can "rein" them for example Giulini and Abbado. The CSO isn't just all about "teh greatest brass section in teh world," their winds and strings are top-notch as well and they have remarkable "chamaleonic" ability to form their own sound to suit works of different composers, for example French music under Jean Martinon, Eastern European sound when performing Mahler and so forth. There is the usual refined character of the "Abbado sound" which makes the CSO work the way he stunningly records the Mahler 7th. Take the Tchaik 4th symphony. The 1st movement is a little tad broad by usual standards (19 minutes) but the opening fanfare chords are momentous and if you think Abbado as being too restrained, listen to the development part of the first movement.

For those looking for pieces to brag to your friends about "teh awesomeness" of the CSO brasses should try listening to the Tempest overture, 2nd, 4th symphonies and also the 1812 overture. This set would not disappoint you if you're looking for a Tchaikovsky set free from homogenous polish of Karajan or the "drama queen" (drag queen rather LOL) excess of Bernstein DG sets.

Recording: 8
Technique: 10
Interpretation: 8